Where do I even begin? How did I wind up in New Hampshire serving as an LRCC Americorps member, when just a few weeks ago I was a college student from New Jersey who only dreamed of leaving the garden state to explore the mountains and lakes of the north east?
My senior semester was a blur and the excitement of graduating with a bachelor’s degree left little time to think about how life in New Hampshire would suit me. The first couple of weeks here in the Granite State left me feeling as though I was in a dream. The clear cold lake water, the jagged horizon that encircled Squam Lake, and the eerie cry of the Loon at night all seemed too good to be true.
Much like the past several weeks, the days continue to fly by in a blur. The days are filled with new training and loads of information ranging from invasive species identification, to SCUBA training and certification. I have never had an experience quite like what is offered here at the SLA through Americorps. I have learned an incredible amount already and look forward to putting what I have learned to use in educating and doing my part to help protect the Lakes Region and Squam watershed.
It is no wonder why the SLA strives so hard to conserve and protect the natural resources of the Lakes Region. The opportunities and experiences that can be gained simply by walking a trail or paddling the shoreline are limitless. Protecting this region has become somewhat of a personal responsibility in my mind. As I drive the roads and discover new places, I see a little too much of where I am from in this beautiful place. Development appears to be spreading, leaving less and less natural space. This is a hard topic to discuss, because with development usually comes money and that money can be put toward conservation efforts like what is done at the Squam Lakes Association. It worries me that this place will turn into the suburban conglomerate that is most of the state of New Jersey, leaving behind fragments of what was once a natural beauty. With that being said, I want to do all that I can to protect the Lakes Region and create opportunities for people to come and appreciate what the region has to offer without degrading the integrity of the ecosystems.
Evan is a half-year member serving at the Squam Lakes Association. He recently graduated from Stockton University with a degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Wildlife Management. Learn more about Evan here!